Yellow Daisies, Yellow Tablecloth Félix Édouard Vallotton (1865-1925)

The composition presents a still life arrangement centered around a vase brimming with flowers. A vibrant yellow tablecloth serves as the immediate foreground, its texture rendered through visible brushstrokes that suggest folds and creases. The table itself is positioned against a dark, muted green backdrop, which creates a stark contrast emphasizing the brightness of the floral display.
The bouquet consists primarily of red poppies and smaller yellow daisies, interspersed with other blooms exhibiting shades of pink and purple. These flowers are arranged in a somewhat asymmetrical fashion, contributing to a sense of naturalness rather than rigid formality. The vase itself is an off-white color, decorated with thin horizontal stripes of red that echo the hues within the floral arrangement. Its shape is elongated and slightly curved, providing a stable base for the abundant blooms.
The lighting appears to originate from a source positioned above and slightly to the left of the scene. This illuminates the flowers and tablecloth, casting subtle shadows that define their forms and add depth to the composition. The artist’s handling of paint suggests an impressionistic approach; details are not sharply defined, but rather conveyed through color and texture.
Beyond the purely descriptive elements, the painting evokes a sense of domestic tranquility and simple beauty. The choice of flowers – poppies often associated with remembrance and daisies symbolizing innocence – might suggest themes of nostalgia or fleeting moments of joy. The yellow tablecloth introduces an element of warmth and cheerfulness, while the dark background creates a contemplative atmosphere. Ultimately, the work seems to celebrate the quiet pleasures found in everyday objects and natural forms.